CWA Members Make Sure Unemployed Workers Receive Benefits

The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in record numbers of workers losing their jobs. CWA members in New Jersey have been handling a flood of unemployment claims. In just seven weeks, they processed twice as many claims as had been processed in all of last year.

In an interview with NJTVOnline, Lydia Diaz, a CWA Local 1037 member, expressed her dedication to helping unemployed workers. "I wish that I could work 24 hours to get everything done for them so that they could get that pressure lifted off their shoulder, that they're going to be okay," Diaz said.

The CARES Act, passed last month by Congress, expanded unemployment benefits for many workers, and the Democratic leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives has proposed extending that coverage.

More information on the CARES Act and other state and federal benefits is available on CWA's COVID-19 resource page. The page also includes materials on recommended health and safety protocols for workers.

Your local leadership will have the most up-to-date information on policies in place at your work location to address the COVID-19 pandemic and what action you should take if you believe you are being asked to work under unsafe conditions.

Remember, if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms consistent with infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately and follow reporting procedures established by your employer. Also notify your CWA Local or District as soon as possible.